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Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Lord appeared to Abraham by the terebinth of Mamre, as he sat in the entrance of his tent, while the day was getting hot. Looking up, Abraham saw three men standing nearby. (Genesis 18)

When the Lord appeared to Abraham, it was not some Hollywood-style awe-inspiring vision with flashing of lightening and peals of thunder; rather he appeared to him in the simple form of three men in need of food, water, and rest from the summer-desert’s heat. Abraham saw these men in need and ran to their assistance. He offered the “Bedouin style” hospitality, so essential for the survival of travelers in the remote desert where he lived. Because of his generosity, the Lord blessed Abraham by promising that his wife, who was sterile, would give birth by next year.

We are reminded here that God often appears to us without revealing himself – hidden under the guise of one in need. Therefore, our generosity to all in need, as well as our respect for the dignity of every person, even the unborn, is one of the ways that we show our faith in the God who is present, yet hidden, in all things and in all people.